Musculoskeletal disorders among Iranian instrumentalists
Mehrdad MostaghaciMedical problems of performing artists
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Abstract
Musicians as an occupational group are exposed to various ergonomic exposures which may lead to musculoskeletal problems. In this study we assessed the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among Iranian instrumentalists (using traditional Iranian and western instruments). In a cross-sectional study we assessed the frequency of MSDs in 356 Iranian instrumentalists by standardized Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire according to age group, type of instrument, duration of playing, and playing/sitting position. Data were analyzed using chi-squared, t-test and ANOVA. Overall, 158 of 356 subjects (44.4%) experienced MSDs, mostly with mild or moderate symptoms. Frequency of MSDs was significantly higher in females but it was not significantly related to body mass index, duration of employment, and duration of playing or teaching. Our study showed a high frequency of MSDs among Iranian instrumentalists, so paying attention to the ergonomic exposures of instrumentalists as an occup...
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https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.11_Issue.12_Dec2021/IJHSR-Abstract.017.html, 2021
Musicians performing over an instrument demands repetitive, awkward postures and postural stress from prolonged sitting or standing. Musicians are found to be more prone to the development of Playing-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (PRMDs) due to these factors. PRMDs are defined as 'pain, weakness, numbness, tingling or other symptoms that interfere with their ability to play an instrument'. There is an increasing interest seen in the medical issues faced by the musicians performing over an instrument. There are different type of musicians playing different instruments which means different instrumentalists face different musculoskeletal disorders depending upon many factors. There are intrinsic and extrinsic factors involved which contribute to the development of PRMDs in musicians. Development of PRMDs is seen to be a cause of early termination of musician's career. The purpose of study is to review the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders in musicians.
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General declaration: All procedures followed were in accordance with the ethical standards of the responsible committee on human experimentation (institutional and national) and with the Helsinki Declaration of 1975, as revised in 2000. Informed consent was obtained from all participants for being included in the study.' Bulleted statements: "What's already known about this topic?" • Strong associations between sustained 'poor' posture and musculoskeletal complaints are assumed in clinical practice. • Professional musicians have an exceptional high prevalence of musculoskeletal complaints, yet they receive little attention in pain literature.
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